their union, from a state ruling legalizing same-sex marriage. did you think that you would be fighting a legal battle four years later, from the rights other couples enjoy? >> on that particular day, that was not really on our mind. >> reporter: three days later, california voted to out law future same-sex marriage, their union is still recognized byhe state, but not by the federal government. tracy served as a 12-year, highly decorated army veteran. >> especially after the repeal of don't ask, don't tell, there will be other veterans facing the same issues. >> reporter: for them, the immediate issue was the spousal benefits for which margaret was not eligible. >> i look to the time it is a fully recognized marriage in the eyes of the federal government, and we don't have to worry about burdens going on in our daily lives. >> reporter: burdens such as tracy's recent diagnosis, multiple sclerosis, which the veteran's administration has determined it was related to her military service during wars in iraq and afghanistan, they're suing the federal